--- title: "Sony Introduces $5900 Walkman WM1: Gold-Plated Copper Body and Android 16" description: "Sony has introduced two premium Walkman WM1 audio players — the NW-WM1AM3 for $3000 and the NW-WM1ZM3 for $5900 with a gold-plated copper body. The devices feature a 5.5-inch screen, Android 16, and up to 256 GB of memory; shipments start in January." date: 2026-10-17T11:27:53.630Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/sony-walkman-wm1-gold-plated-copper-android-16 tags: [sony, walkman, audioplayer, premium-audio, android-16, gilded-copper] author: "Roman V., Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Sony Introduces $5900 Walkman WM1: Gold-Plated Copper Body and Android 16 ![Golden Sony Walkman WM1 audio player with physical control buttons on the side panel](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/17/sony-walkman-wm1-pozolochennaya-med-android-16/sony-walkman-wm1-pozolochennaya-med-android-16-1.webp) ## Key Points - Sony released two Walkman WM1 players: NW-WM1AM3 ($3000, aluminum + copper) and NW-WM1ZM3 ($5900, gold-plated copper) - The flagship ZM3 model weighs 670g vs 425g for the AM3 due to the gold-plated copper usage - The European amplifier version is limited to 1.1 mW, while other regions provide up to 250 mW - Both models feature: 5.5" Full HD, Android 16, up to 256 GB, up to 33h FLAC; shipments in January Sony has announced the release of two new premium audio player models in the Walkman WM1 series — the NW-WM1AM3 and the NW-WM1ZM3. Both new products are built on a unified platform and differ primarily in body materials, weight, and price. Market shipments are scheduled for January 2027, with a starting price of $3000 for the aluminum-copper AM3 version and $5900 for the flagship ZM3 model, constructed almost entirely from gold-plated copper. ### Body Materials: Aluminum vs. Gold-Plated Copper In the NW-WM1AM3 model, the main part of the body is made of aluminum, while copper is used for the back cover and the heat sink. The flagship NW-WM1ZM3, by contrast, is assembled mainly from gold-plated copper — this material is used for the frame, side panels, and even the screws. According to Sony, using copper helps reduce internal interference, provide richer bass, expand the soundstage, and improve the detail of mid and high frequencies. However, these acoustic advantages come at the cost of weight: the ZM3 weighs 670 grams compared to 425 grams for the AM3. The dimensions of both models are identical — 15.8 × 8.6 × 2.3 cm. ### Amplifier and Regional Power Limits A significant difference between the versions for various markets concerns the headphone amplifier output power. The European version is limited to an output of 1.1 mW, while devices for other regions provide up to 250 mW per channel via a 4.4 mm balanced jack and at least 60 mW via a standard 3.5 mm jack. Consequently, European users may experience a lower maximum volume, and connecting full-size high-impedance headphones will be less effective compared to versions for other markets. ### Display, Software Platform, and Battery Life Both players feature a 5.5-inch touch display with Full HD resolution and run on the Android 16 operating system. Depending on the configuration, the devices come with 128 or 256 GB of internal flash memory, expandable via a microSD card. Sony claims a battery life of up to 33 hours of continuous FLAC music playback. Streaming applications and wireless Bluetooth headphones are supported, making the devices versatile for both local and network listening. ### Pricing and Positioning The $2900 price difference between the two models is explained solely by the use of gold-plated copper in the ZM3. For context, the $3000 NW-WM1AM3 and the $5900 NW-WM1ZM3 belong to the ultra-premium portable audio segment, where the key customers are audiophiles who value high-resolution local playback without reliance on streaming services. Shipments of both models will begin in January; Sony has not disclosed exact regional release dates. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Sony представила аудиоплеер Walkman за $5900: экран 5,5 дюйма, корпус из позолоченной меди и Android 16](https://www.ixbt.com/news/2026/10/16/sony-predstavila-audiopleer-walkman-za-5900-ekran-55-diuima-korpus-iz-pozolocennoi-medi-i-android-16.html) - The source contains all key specifications: models, prices, materials, weight, dimensions, screen parameters, OS, memory, battery life, regional amplifier limitations, and delivery schedules. ## FAQ ### How does the NW-WM1ZM3 differ from the NW-WM1AM3? The main difference is the body material: the ZM3 is made primarily of gold-plated copper (670g), while the AM3 is made of aluminum with copper elements (425g). The price also differs: $5900 vs $3000. Other specs (screen, memory, OS, dimensions) are identical. ### When will sales begin? Sony announced that shipments of both models will start in January. Exact regional dates were not disclosed. ### Why does the European version have lower amplifier power? The European modification is limited to an output of 1.1 mW, while other regions provide up to 250 mW via the 4.4mm jack and at least 60 mW via the 3.5mm jack. This may lower maximum volume and reduce compatibility with high-impedance headphones. ### What operating system and screen do the new Walkmans have? Both players run on Android 16 and feature a 5.5-inch touch screen with Full HD resolution. Streaming apps and Bluetooth headphones are supported.